Power Plays

Issue 12.07

February 20, 2026

VOTING IS NOW OPEN!

43 PRODUCTS IN THE RUNNING FOR THE COOLEST THING MADE IN DELAWARE

After a nearly month-long nomination period, 43 products from 37 manufacturers across the First State are now competing in the contest. Employers, employees, consumers, and the general public are encouraged to participate in the voting. Votes can be cast once per day, per device. Cast your votes >

After the popular vote round ends on February 26, the top 16 products—one per company—will proceed to compete in the bracket-style contest on March 5, ultimately culminating in one champion named at the Spring Manufacturing & Policy Conference on March 26.

POWER PLAYS

DELAWARE’S COMPETITIVENESS DEPENDS ON RELIABLE, SCALABLE POWER THAT MEETS INDUSTRY DEMANDS

When site selectors make decisions, one X factor rises above the rest: power. In today’s economy, utilities are king. Companies can no longer afford uncertainty around energy cost, availability, reliability, or capacity, and the states who will win projects are the ones that can guarantee it.

The following perspectives from energy leaders across the state—Marcus Beal of Delmarva Power, Mike Dunmyer of US Wind, and Andrew Cottone of Aternium—explore how their respective sector subsets are preparing to meet that demand and position the state for the next generation of economic growth. Read more >

GENERATION OF ENERGY RESOURCES BREAKDOWN

In 2024, Delaware’s electricity generation remained overwhelmingly reliant on natural gas, which accounted for 92.2% of in-state power production — the highest share in the nation. Coal made up 3.0%, while nuclear contributed 0%. Renewable sources represented 4.4% of generation, ranking 45th nationally and below the U.S. average, and petroleum accounted for 0.4%. Explore more data >

3.0

% coal

(35th nationwide)

92.2

% natural gases

(1st nationwide)

% nuclear

(29th nationwide)

4.4

% renewable sources

(45th nationwide)

0.4

% petroleum

(9th nationwide)

% pumped storage & other

(31st nationwide)

Source: 2026 Delaware Competitiveness Bluebook, Table 46A and B

DATA CENTERS:

THE DELAWARE DILEMMA

Speaking at the Developing Delaware Conference hosted by the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce on Oct. 9, Anthony Balestrieri, managing director and CEO of Starwood Digital Ventures at Starwood Capital Group, laid out his company’s plans for a massive digital infrastructure campus in Delaware City.

Despite the company’s pledges, critics are lining up to oppose the project, voicing concerns about potential impacts to air, water, energy resources, and the coastal environment. Officials in New Castle County and the Delaware Legislature are holding meetings to consider new regulations for data centers. Read more >

KEEPING AMERICA MOVING

THE FUTURE OF OUR NATION’S ROADS, BRIDGES, AND TRANSIT INFRASTRUCTURE IN 2026

Every American relies on roads, bridges, ports, transit systems, and other aspects of our national transportation network to travel, commute, and deliver goods. They are the connective tissue of our economy and our nation.

Policymakers in Washington, D.C., will consider the future of this network in 2026 when they craft the next “surface transportation” or “highway” bill. This is how Congress establishes federal funding commitments for America’s critical transportation systems for the years ahead, along with the investment and policy priorities that guide them. Read more >

PHOTOS OF THE WEEK

More than 200 business leaders gathered Thursday for the annual State of the Guard address, where Delaware’s Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. James A. Benson, and Lt. Col. Marc Evans highlighted the Delaware National Guard’s 2025 accomplishments, with a special spotlight on the Guard’s 31st Civil Support Team. Congratulations to Mission AI Consulting and EDiS Company, our 2026 Warrior Friendly Business Award winners!

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